How to Download a Song from TikTok: The Ultimate Guide

Unfortunately, directly downloading songs directly from TikTok is generally not possible within the app itself for copyright reasons. However, fear not, music aficionado! There are effective workarounds that we’ll delve into, revealing how you can identify and snag your favorite TikTok tracks.

Understanding TikTok’s Audio Landscape

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” TikTok uses a vast library of music, much of which is copyrighted. Direct download functionality is limited to protect these copyrights and ensure royalties are paid to the artists. So, while a one-click download button would be dreamy, we need to get a little creative.

Identifying the Song Title and Artist: Your First Crucial Step

The cornerstone of successfully acquiring a TikTok song is knowing what you’re looking for. Thankfully, TikTok usually displays the song title and artist prominently at the bottom of the video. It often reads as “Artist – Song Title”. Take note of this, as it’s your key to unlocking the full track. In some cases, the original creator may not have added the official music, but added a third-party sound instead. If that’s the case, the displayed text will be the account name of the user who added the sound, instead of the artist name.

Methods for Finding and Acquiring the Song: Unleash Your Inner Detective

Now that you know the song, let’s explore the avenues to obtain it. Here are the most common and effective methods:

1. Streaming Services: The Legal and Easiest Route

The most ethical and user-friendly way to download a TikTok song is to find it on a streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, or Deezer. Simply search for the artist and song title you identified on TikTok. Once you’ve found the song, you can add it to your playlists, download it for offline listening (if you have a premium subscription), and enjoy it legally.

This method supports the artists and music industry, so it’s the best approach whenever possible. Look for the explicit versions of the song, if that’s the version that caught your ear on TikTok.

2. Music Identification Apps: Shazam, SoundHound, and Beyond

If the song title isn’t displayed on the TikTok video, or you’re unsure, music identification apps like Shazam and SoundHound are your best friends. These apps listen to a snippet of the song and identify it within seconds.

• How to use Shazam: Open Shazam, tap the Shazam button, and hold your phone near the speaker playing the TikTok video. Shazam will identify the song and provide links to listen on various streaming services.
• How to use SoundHound: Similar to Shazam, open SoundHound, tap the big orange button, and let it listen. It’s remarkably accurate and also offers a similar streaming service integration.

These apps are generally free (although they may have premium versions) and are incredibly useful for identifying even obscure tracks.

3. Third-Party TikTok Downloaders: Tread Carefully

A multitude of third-party websites and apps claim to download TikTok videos, and some might also extract the audio. However, proceed with extreme caution!

• Security Risks: Many of these sites are riddled with malware, viruses, and intrusive advertisements. Downloading content from untrusted sources can compromise your device and personal information.
• Legality: Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal in many jurisdictions. While the risk of prosecution for downloading a single song might be low, it’s still a violation of copyright law.
• Quality Issues: The audio quality extracted from TikTok videos via these methods is often subpar. It’s typically compressed and doesn’t sound as good as a professionally mastered track.

If you choose to explore this route, always use a reputable antivirus program and be prepared for potential quality issues. Read reviews and research the site thoroughly before using it. Some reputable, but use-at-your-own-risk, services include online TikTok downloaders that offer the option to download only the audio.

4. Screen Recording and Audio Extraction: A Last Resort

Another (less elegant) method involves screen recording the TikTok video and then using a separate audio extraction tool to isolate the sound. This is a rather cumbersome process, and the audio quality will likely be poor. However, it can be a viable option if all else fails. There are many free screen recording tools available for both iOS and Android devices, as well as desktop computers.

• Limitations: The extracted audio quality is usually far from ideal and may include background noise or unwanted sounds from the recording.

Important Considerations: Ethics and Legality

It’s vital to reiterate that respecting copyright law is crucial. Downloading music from unauthorized sources is unethical and potentially illegal. Always prioritize supporting the artists by purchasing their music or streaming it through legitimate services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it legal to download songs from TikTok?

No, directly downloading copyrighted songs from TikTok without the owner’s permission is generally not legal. You should always seek legitimate ways to listen to and obtain music.

2. Can I download TikTok videos with the song included?

Yes, you can download TikTok videos, but you should use them for personal use only. Sharing it might still infringe the copyright.

3. Are there any official ways to download a song from TikTok?

Not directly. TikTok doesn’t offer a built-in feature to download songs due to copyright restrictions. The app prioritizes streaming content.

4. What are the risks of using third-party TikTok downloaders?

Significant risks include malware infections, viruses, data breaches, and downloading copyrighted material illegally. Always exercise caution and prioritize your online security.

5. Will the audio quality be good if I extract a song from a TikTok video?

Typically, the audio quality will be lower compared to downloading a song from a streaming service or purchasing it. TikTok audio is often compressed, and extraction methods can further degrade the quality.

6. Can I use Shazam or SoundHound to identify any song on TikTok?

Yes, these apps are incredibly effective at identifying most songs on TikTok. They listen to the audio and compare it to a vast database to find a match.

7. Do I need a premium subscription to download songs from streaming services?

Yes, for most streaming services, you need a premium subscription to download songs for offline listening. Free accounts usually only allow streaming with an internet connection.

8. What if the song title isn’t displayed on the TikTok video?

Use Shazam or SoundHound to identify the song. These apps can recognize the song even if the title isn’t explicitly provided.

9. Is there a difference between downloading a song and downloading a TikTok video that uses the song?

Yes, downloading the TikTok video simply gives you a video file. You need to extract the audio from the video to obtain the song itself.

10. Are there any safe and reputable third-party TikTok downloaders?

While some might be safer than others, it’s always best to exercise caution. Look for well-reviewed downloaders and use an antivirus program. It’s generally recommended to avoid them completely and use legitimate sources instead.

11. Can I use TikTok songs in my own videos without copyright issues?

Yes, TikTok has a commercial music library that you can use for your own videos. Make sure that your video is properly licensed and tagged for commercial use to avoid copyright issues.

12. If I already purchased a song on iTunes, can I use it on TikTok?

Yes, if you own the song, you can upload the audio and create your own sound within TikTok. But you should have legal ownership of the song, otherwise you could violate the copyright.

Conclusion: Be Smart, Be Safe, and Support the Artists

While directly downloading songs from TikTok is generally off-limits, the methods outlined above provide avenues to find and enjoy your favorite TikTok tunes. Remember to prioritize ethical and legal methods, support the artists who create the music you love, and be cautious when using third-party downloaders. Happy listening!